Overview
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' is a trailing, bushy perennial in the genus Lobelia, part of the Campanulaceae family, with green foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and Antioquia.
About
Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower, is a species of flowering plant in the bellflower family Campanulaceae native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia cardinalis
About the genus
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae comprising 444 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lobelia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lobelia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lobelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun, Partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy
- Foliage
- Green
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Water gardens, Naturalized areas
- Native to
- New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Antioquia
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'?
Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from mulching.
Where is the best place to plant Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'?
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' need?
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'?
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering.
How big does Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' grow?
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' hardy in the UK?
Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria'?
Seed, Division.
Is Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lobelia genus
- Hypsela reniformis
- Lobelia 'Queen Victoria'Lobelia

- Lobelia fulgensCardinal Flower

- Lobelia laxiflora var. angustifolianarrow-leaved Sierra Madre lobelia
- Lobelia syphiliticaGreat Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia syphilitica 'Blue Peter'Great Blue Lobelia
- Lobelia tupadevil's tobacco

- Lobelia × vedrariensis
